Oxford Office Boosts Kline's European Presence

Research and management consultancy Kline & Company has opened a new European headquarters in Oxford UK, and announced that SVP Fred du Plessis, who joined the firm earlier in the year, will direct the company's management consulting activities in the region.

du Plessis has a total of 24 years' business development experience in the international chemical and life sciences industries. Prior to joining Kline, he spent 16 years with global energy company Sasol in his homeland of South Africa.

A frequent presenter at industry conferences and seminars, du Plessis has served as President of the European Chemical Marketing and Strategy Association (ECMSA) since 2002 and as Treasurer of the European Chemical Site Promotion Platform since April 2005. He has a BS in Chemistry and Applied Chemistry from University of Natal, and a Masters in Business Leadership from the University of South Africa.

The firm says the opening of the new office reinforces its strategy to committing more business consulting resources to clients with operations located in Europe. At the same time, Kline's office in Brussels has been moved to larger facilities.

'Our ongoing investment in talent and infrastructure to support our European clients has never been so strong,' said Kline Chairman and CEO Joe Tarantola. 'The addition of Fred to our executive team instantly enhances the company's global platform, and our capabilities.'

Kline has served the management consulting and market research needs of organisations in the chemicals, materials, energy, life sciences, and consumer products industries for nearly 50 years. In May, the company opened a new office in Dubai (www.mrweb.com/drno/news6810.htm ). Kline is online at www.KlineGroup.com.